The Forest Service is reopening a national forest road in northeast Nevada that's been closed since a big wildfire in the Ruby Mountains last fall.
All 15 miles (24 kilometers) of Forest Service Road 660, known as the Lamoille Canyon Road, were scheduled to reopen near Elko on Friday in time for heavy visitation expected Memorial Day weekend.
All trails, picnic areas, and national forest campgrounds along the roadway will be open.
Forest Service officials say contractors installed 3 miles (5 kilometers) of new guardrail. Work crews and volunteers also helped plant mountain mahogany seed and 2,000 sagebrush seedlings.
The fire that broke out Sept. 30 burned more than 14 square miles (36 sq. kilometers) and destroyed most of the buildings at a popular youth camp that opened in 1939.
Previously, a state fire marshal's report stated that the fire was likely caused by someone shooting at a rock.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Lamoille Canyon's recreational facilities affected by #Range2Fire. Thomas Canyon Campground in good shape with only fire damage around the perimeter. The fire burned around the Powerhouse Group Picnic Area. Several structures were lost and saved at the Lyon's Organizational Camp. pic.twitter.com/ohBxexXOVN
— Humboldt Toiyabe NF (@HumboldtToiyabe) October 2, 2018
#Range2Fire Damage to Lamoille Canyon: No damage from Nature Trail to Roads End. Powerhouse Picnic Area, Thomas Canyon Campground & Terraces Campground minimally impacted. Several structures burned at Lyon's Organizational Camp & one out of 12 recreational residences lost. pic.twitter.com/ndGfk8b10T
— Humboldt Toiyabe NF (@HumboldtToiyabe) October 2, 2018
Significant rainfall is expected during the next three days, including where burn scars exist such as the Range Two and Goshute Cave. Mud debris flows are possible in these areas. #nvwx pic.twitter.com/JZpcIeXZqx
— NWS Elko (@NWSElko) October 2, 2018
